The Performance Bike collection embraces dedicated riders who live their sport. Featuring highly functional fabrics and advanced ergonomic constructions, the collection offers excellent moisture tranportation, freedom of movement and a perfect riding-position fit.
The Storm Bib Long Tight is perfect for chilly days. It has wind and waterproof front panels and brushed micro-fleece inside for warmth. Comfort is ensured thanks to the advanced Craft Performance pad.
- Wind- and waterpoof panels at front
- VentAir X Wind fabric: the latest in cutting edge fabric systems that offers excellent wind protection, ventilation and comfort in windy conditions
- Thermal, brushed fabric inside for warmth and ventilation
- Ergonomic construction for a perfect riding-position fit
- 4-way elasticity for optimal freedom of movement
- Ergonomically placed flatlock seams
- 360 degrees reflective print for visibility
- Ergonomic bib construction
- Side zip at bottom of each leg
- Craft Performance Pad: building on the popularity of the old pad the new Performance pad features the same pressure zones but has been upgraded with a refreshing moulded design, higher density and EVA Anti-Shock System. The precision of the Lasercut Tech technology is improved for greater comfort. The pad is a 3-layer, seamless, anatomically moulded, antimicrobial and gender specific pad of Oeko-Tex fabrics and foams of the highest quality.
1st layer: printed, top quality, 4-way stretch fabric that shows exactly what is underneath - it's like a map of the pad technology.
2nd layer: super-supportive lightweight foam, a special high-density layer which increases the support and airflow at the same time, thanks to its exploded bubble technology. This layer is laser cut for optimal comfort, support and leg movement.
3rd layer: a great new feature is the EVA Anti-Shock System, which dissipates macro and micro vibrations from vertical to horizontal. This layer is located towards the back of the pad, is 3mm thick and perforated with 2mm holes for enhanced airflow. The EVA foam is covered with a 4-way stretch fabric that decreases friction and protects the Anti-Shock System during use and washing.
- Article number: 1902324
Fabrics: C392, C393, C542, C584, C145
C392: A light brushed fabric for insulation, warmth and moisture management. Highly elastic and soft to the skin.
Composition: 83% Polyamide 17% Spandex
Weight: 225 gsm
C393: A light and elastic windblocking, laminated fabric. A thin outer shell with a knitted elastic polyamide laminated with a breathable and stretchable lamination.
Composition: 83% Polyamide 17% Spandex
Weight: 110 gsm
C542: A thin, very elastic laminated Polyester knit to give full wind protection yet high breathability
Composition: 100% Polyester
Weight: 83 gsm
C584: A woven Polyester microfibre fabric, windblocking and breathable.
Composition: 87% Polyester, 13% Elasthan
Weight: 243 gsm
C145: Highly elastic mesh fabric ideal for bibs, providing comfort and fit with good ventilation and durability.
Composition: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
Weight: 170 gsm
Craft's collection of functional sportswear is based on ergonomic performance - the design, fit and fabrics combine to provide garments that will make you get the most out of your training and feel comfortable at the same time.
Craft Performance Bike Men Storm Bibtights review, road.cc:
"The Craft Storm bib long tights are an excellent choice for winter wear to cover your legs when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Rule no.9 states that riding in foul weather makes you a badass. Pop a pair of these tights on and you no longer need to be super tough to go out riding, as the fabric and thought-out construction really take the worst sting out of inclement conditions.
They are a little larger than most tights I've worn, so it may well be worth checking out size charts accurately, or perhaps sizing down a notch, and I didn't find the pad particularly comfortable when standing, but that's not what they are designed for.
I've taken the tights out on rides of four hours at -2 degrees C and the combination of wind-proof fabric at the front and brushed thermal fabric at the rear has allowed me stay at a sensible temperature the whole time, neither feeling cold nor over-heating through exertion.
In rain the tights have lasted a couple of hours in drizzle with the water staying as beads on the surface, in heavier rain they do a reasonable job. They are up there as some of the most 'waterproof' tights I've worn; they will get wet eventually, but they withstand a rainy onslaught better than I expected.
The pad is reasonably comfortable, not great over longer rides, but certainly able to cope with four hours, which is probably more time than they would be worn for in grotty weather.
There is a good level of reflectivity both front and rear, with the rear featuring a particularly long access zip, so any boots will be able to be put on first.
They don't feature stirrups for your feet. Personally I prefer them, but they didn't seem to ride up in any noticeable manner. What bunching they did do was most evident around the back of the knees, something which would be alleviated with the addition of stirrups. I will almost certainly be stitching my own on, but as I say, it's a personal preference.
Overall an excellent pair of winter tights, well worth tracking down. At £120 they are very reasonable priced for how darned good they are."
Verdict:
Well specced, high performing winter tights, able to withstand both the cold and the wet.
Score: 4.5/5